A reception marking M.W. Bro. Groshaw's 30 Year Anniversary of becoming Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario will be held on March 31, 2014. Click of the flyer for more info.

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF OUR GRAND MASTER(From the 1983 Proceeding of Grand Lodge of Canada AF&AM in the Province of Ontario)

Born of French, English, Scottish and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, Ronald Eric Groshaw grew up on the family farm near Moorefield, Ontario where he attended S.S. No. 5 Maryboro Public School, and subsequently Palmerston High School. While attending the University of Western Ontario at London, hostilities began in Korea. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. while continuing his studies for a doctorate in medicine. Upon completion of a junior rotating internship at Victoria Hospital in London, he served with No. 408 Squadron in the Arctic and subsequently with NATO in Europe. Upon the completion of that tour of duty, he did postgraduate study in ophthalmology in both Europe and North America, culminating in a specialist qualification in 1962. Dr. Groshaw established a private practice immediately, and four years later was appointed to the teaching staff of the University of Toronto; a post he still holds with the faculty of medicine. Dr. Groshaw has been the Chief of Ophthalmology at Etobicoke General Hospital since it was built, and is also on the medical staff of St. John's and West Park Hospitals, as well as Sunnybrook Medical Centre. Since 1978, he has been a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Council for Ontario of the Order of St. John. In October 1982, at Ottawa, the Governor General invested him as a Serving brother in that Order.The United Church of Canada has always been a part of his life. He was a member of the choir at Moorefield United Church and, more recently, has served on many committees of the official board of St. Luke's United Church, Islington. In 1960, he married Barbara Jean Bain, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in public health nursing. They are the parents of two active boys. George, age 19, is pursuing studies at York University in Fine Arts, and Eric, age 17, is in grade 12.M.W. Bro. Groshaw first saw the light of Masonry in 1959 in Conestogo Lodge No. 295, Drayton. Several years later, after affiliation with Wellington Lodge No. 635, Toronto, he became Worshipful Master in 1971-72. A charter member of Heritage Lodge No. 730, he served as its Worshipful Master in 1980-81. Bro. Groshaw is a member of several Scottish Rite Bodies, including the Royal Order of Scotland. He was Thrice Puissant Grand Master of Toronto Lodge of Perfection in 1974-75. He received the 33° at Regina, Saskatchewan on September 10, 1976. In capitular Masonry, he was First Principal of Mimico Chapter No. 295 in 1979-80, and is also a member of Geoffrey de St. Aldemar Preceptory No. 2. As a member of Rameses Shrine No. 33, Toronto, he served as its first Ceremonial Master in 1982, and is also a member of the Ceremonial Cast and the Royal Order of Jesters, Court No. 83. Our Grand Master served as Grand Senior Warden in 1976-77 and was then elected to the Board of General Purposes in 1978 and 1980. Upon his election as Deputy Grand Master in 1981, he assumed the duties of President of the Board of General Purposes and Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee.Recreationally, Dr. Groshaw enjoys being a tree surgeon, as well as tilling the soil at the three-acre cottage property on the western shore of Lake Simcoe. His hobbies also include fishing, sailing, golf and skiing.

Our Grand Master feels very privileged to have the opportunity to work with the brethren, being mindful of the fact that our Masonic teachings of morality, brotherhood and compassion, though shrouded in antiquity, are as relevant today as at any time in our history. It is his fervent prayer that we may strive to have peace, harmony, understanding and good will toward all people in this beautiful and bountiful land.

On Wednesday West Gate held its November Regular Meeting. In attendance was the WM and a delegation of members from Ionic Lodge in Brampton. Also present were two recipients of the William Mercer Wilson Award - the highest honour that can be accorded a brother in our jurisdiction. It was the first time in recent memory that a degree was not conferred. The brethren were treated to the "Deeper Meaning of the First Degree Obligation" by District Education Chairman W. Bro. Lund. We had a presentation on General Malcolm Mercer who was a Past Master of River Park Lodge. His portrait is proudly displayed in the lodge anteroom. R.W. Bro. Woods gave us a look into his personal life and what Masonry has meant to him.

V.W.Bro Alex Hart will be receiving his 60 year pin in Masonry on Dec 2, 2013 at 7:30 PM at Mimosa Lodge, Chisholm Temple (Danforth Avenue & Main Street). The Grand Master will be in attendance.For further information, please contact Doug Coulter at dougandmarylynn@hotmail.com or 905-881 0699. RSVP is appreciated

Every year the Streetsville Santa Clause Parade uses the River Park Masonic Hall to prep for the visit from the ambassador from the North Pole. Even our young Mayor comes to visit the young candy canes before the parade.

It always is a pleasure to assist every year as the participants get dressed in Christmas costumes and the thrill the crowds who come from as far away as Burlington and St. Catherines.

West Gate Lodge collected 263 lbs. of nonperishable food items to assist families over the Christmas season. Also collected was $135.00 in cash donations that will help Eden Food Bank with their continued administration, delivery costs, etc. and keep this important initiative vital and active.

The food and cash have been delivered and will be graciously applied to those who are needy.

Thank you all for your amazing and gracious support of this worthy and necessary endeavor.

Outstanding attendance last night as Flower City Lodge hosted the DDGM on the occasion of his Official Visit. The Travelling Gavel again went to West Gate Lodge who have now sucessfully challenged for it the past two years. I may stand corrected but I believe West Gate had 20 members in attendance including the DDGM and District Secretary. W. Bro. Barnwell brought 10 members from Ionic Lodge. To be fair he did enter the competition a little late which might account for the outcome. I am sure the Gavel will be at Ionic sooner rather than later! The winners were everyone who attended for such a wonderful evening.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

- John McCrae

On Monday, November 11, the Cenotaphe in Streetsville was filled to capacity and spilling over to adjoining streets. Even though it was cold and raining nine members of West Gate Lodge joined with members of River Park Lodge and the Streetsville community to remember and honour Canada's veterans.

Speakers included Mayor McCallion and many current and former members of Canada's Forces. Of note was the large contingent of cadets who assisted the legion in the ceremony. Very heartening for such a solemn occasion.

The River Park Temple Board is hosting a Texas Hold'em Poker Night on Saturday, January 18 in the Temple banquet hall.

A catered buffet dinner will proceed the poker tournament from 6 - 7 PM. There will be lots of food available and our goal is to impress!

The poker will be played tournament style with chips. Buy-Ins and Top-Ups available during the first hour. This game is designed for fun so whatever your level of skill you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Volunteers are also needed so get in touch with a Temple Board member if you can help out.

On Tuesday, November 5, River Park Lodge hosted the DDGM for his Official Visit. In attendance were six members of West Gate including the WM. It was also well attended by brethren throughout the District. Congratulations to Bro. DaSilva who was Passed during the evening's degree. In addition to performing one of the best provings I have seen this year he is also one of the most travelled EA I have seen and well know to West Gate. I expect he has a promising future ahead of him.